Dear Postdoctoral Scholar: On behalf of the faculty and administration of the University of South Florida, it is our pleasure to welcome you. At USF, the postdoctoral experience emphasizes scholarship and continued research training for individuals who have recently completed a doctoral degree. Our postdocs engage in research training under the general oversight of a faculty mentor in preparation for a career position in academe, industry, government or the non-profit sector. In addition, postdoctoral scholars enrich the research community with their expert knowledge and experience, and provide mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students. The university strives to enhance the postdoctoral experience by providing a stimulating and constructive environment, and by encouraging mutual respect and understanding. Our goal is for you to have an excellent professional and personal development experience during your postdoctoral employment at USF. We hope this guide will help you get off to a great start at USF and in the Tampa Bay community. You will find a lot of practical, useful information and resources to help you settle into your life and work at USF. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your immediate supervisor or the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. Again, welcome to USF! We are delighted you chose USF and look forward to working with you. We are committed to your success and development during your time with the University of South Florida. If you have any questions on your benefits or employment, do not hesitate to contact Human Resources at (813) 974-2970 or via email at [email protected]. Sincerely, Dr. Ralph Wilcox Dr. Dwayne Smith Provost and Senior Vice Provost and Executive Vice President, USF Dean, Office of Graduate Studies Keith Anderson Dr. Charles J. Lockwood Interim Vice President for Research, Senior Vice President, USF Health and Innovation & Knowledge Enterprise Dean, Morsani College of Medicine Revised 7/2021 1 University of South Florida The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report’s national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state’s 12 public universities. USF has earned widespread national recognition for its success graduating under-represented minority and limited-income students at rates equal to or higher than white and higher income students. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. To learn more about USF, we invite you to explore About USF on our website, review the USF Strategic Plan, and learn about our Points of Pride, including some impressive enrollment statistics and important facts about the university. We are One USF. The University of South Florida has campuses in Sarasota-Manatee (left), Tampa (center), and St. Petersburg (right). USF MISSION Led by outstanding faculty and professional staff, the University of South Florida conducts innovative scholarship, creative activity and basic and translational research, and delivers a world-class educational experience promoting the success of our talented and diverse undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. As a public metropolitan research university, USF, in partnership with our communities, serves the people of Florida, the nation, and the world by fostering intellectual inquiry and outcomes that positively shape the future - regionally, nationally and globally. USF GOALS 1. To promote the lifelong success of well-educated, highly skilled, and adaptable alumnae/alumni who lead enriched lives, are engaged citizens, and thrive in a dynamic global market. 2. To conduct high-impact research and innovation to advance frontiers of knowledge, solve global problems, and improve lives. 3. To be a major social and economic engine creating robust global, national, and regional partnerships to build a prosperous and sustainable future for our regional communities and the State of Florida. 4. To provide a safe, inclusive and vibrant community for learning, discovery, creative activities, and transformative experiences enabled through adaptive design of physical, social, and digital environments. 5. To practice continuous visionary planning and sound management throughout USF to ensure a strong and sustainable financial base, and to adapt proactively to emerging opportunities in a dynamic environment. Revised 7/2021 2 PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY Excellence with Equity We affirm the value of excellence. Our essential pursuit of truth and wisdom depends upon fairness and equity. We recognize that individual and collective excellence entails a responsibility to ensure that every member of our community has the opportunity to succeed. Diversity with Inclusion We affirm the value of diversity, individual dignity, equity, and our common humanity. Diversity of lived experiences, thought, and values enriches our lives and our whole university community. We seek the intentional inclusion of the broadest possible range of these perspectives essential to a university with local, state, national, and global impact. Freedom with Responsibility We affirm the value of academic freedom and the inherent value of people’s right to express themselves respectfully, freely, safely, and with civility. We reject the demeaning acts of bullying, violence, prejudice, and discrimination as they undermine the community we aspire to be. Dialogue with Respect We affirm the value of evidence and seek perspectives to foster productive communication, dialogue, and constructive disagreement. We listen respectfully and reject language that demeans any member of the community. We embrace differences by learning through open debate in a spirit of curiosity. Transparency with Accountability We affirm the value of a clear and transparent working and learning environment that promotes honesty, fairness, and trust. We commit our time, talents, and resources to building a culture of caring that promotes the integrity of our relationships and the sustainable well-being of the entire community. We are personally responsible, across every level, for treating each other with respect, candor, and accountability. The Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza is both the literal and symbolic heart of the Tampa campus providing a place to sit and reflect on the lasting legacy of the civil rights leader. Revised 7/2021 3 University of South Florida Guide for Postdoctoral Scholars The goods and services identified here do not necessarily represent specific USF affiliations or endorsements. This guide is not an employment contract and it is not intended to create an expectation of ongoing employment. The benefits contained in this guide are subject to repeal or modification at the sole discretion of the University with or without notice. Employees funded solely from contracts or grants shall receive benefits equivalent to similar employees on state funding, provided that such benefits are permitted by the terms of the contract or grant, the rules of the funding agency, and adequate funds are available for this purpose in the contract or grant. All premium rates listed in this guide are subject to change and are dependent upon contractual rates with vendors. Table of Contents Postdoctoral Employee Benefits .................................................................................................................................5 Postdoctoral Employee Resources ......................................................................................................................... 10 USF Research Resources ....................................................................................................................................... 13 USF Safety & Transportation ................................................................................................................................... 15 USF Campus Resources ......................................................................................................................................... 17 Tampa Bay Area Resources ................................................................................................................................... 20 Tampa Bay Cultural and Outdoor Activities ............................................................................................................ 21 Tampa Bay Entertainment and Sports .................................................................................................................... 23 Revised 7/2021 4 Postdoctoral Employee Benefits Direct Deposit All employees at USF are required to participate in the Direct Deposit Program within 30 days of hire. Employees may have their paycheck deposited directly into the financial institution account of their choice. Pay days are every other Friday. Find out more information from the University Controller’s Office. Emergency Closing Pay Postdoctoral Scholars are eligible to receive their regular biweekly pay in the event of an emergency closing of the university. For more information, visit the Human Resources Attendance & Leave page. Employee Assistance Program The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers a comprehensive suite of services to help you live a better, healthier life. The